Webchickadee

Could be excess stomach acid that "feels" like hunger. Are you taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI), such as omeprazole (Prilosec)? If not, perhaps talk to your surgeon about trying that first to see if it helps. Then if it doesn't resolve, investigate further.

I posted this a last month in response to someone's struggles with an early stall. Some of it seems "on point" here.......

Count me in too. I've been on a long stall (3 months) with very small losses. I think I need some extra motivation while I train for my first 1/2 marathon walk (held on my 44th birthday, Oct. 20). Pre Surgery Weight: 319 lbs DOS Weight (14.05.2012): 307 lbs Weight Today (09.07.2013): 175 lbs Final Goal weight: 135 lbs Goal Weight for Labor Day 2013: 165 lbs

Sometimes "hunger" is actually excess stomach acid. Are you taking a proton pump inhibitor (PPI)? A common one is omeprazole (aka Prilosec). You might benefit from this and it could help alleviate what feels like "hunger".

I completely agree that BIG changes are needed with this surgery (before you go under the knife, to prepare for post-op recovery and lifestyle) and after surgery, to lose the weight and develop new healthy life-long habits, mindset and lifestyle. I also agree wholeheartedly that you need to find a LIVEABLE way to keep this new lifestyle going for the rest of your life. For me, that also means giving in to cravings once in a while and not treating this as a "diet" that will have an defined "end-point". While I do have a goal weight (and still about 40 lbs to get there, after losing 140+ lbs), I have now spent 13+ months developing my new eating habits, exercise, mindset about calories, Protein, fluids, energy expenditure, fueling my body for workouts, etc. I have made HUGE changes in my life. But I still eat a bit of chocolate when I crave it. I have a taco now and again. A bite of two of cake during a family celebration is okay too. That's my choice, and for me it's okay at this point in my journey (where I know I won't go overboard and probably end up working out an extra hour or two that day to offset). I feel NORMAL and I don't deny myself anything I want (and most things I DON'T want....). But if you had asked me 6 months ago, I would have said NO WAY, ever again will I eat those things. Your attitude changes along with your body. As long as you make sure you're not on a slippery slope to bad habits (I'm VERY conscious of that!), it's okay (at least for me) to loosen up a bit and plan for long-term success and consistency I know I can live with forever. I EARN my extras with more workouts, and sleep with a clear conscience.

Keep up the fantastic work!

First things first...........congratulations on your 63 lbs loss! That is fantastic and works out to nearly 4 lbs per week! That is really good. It will slow down, especially as you get closer to your goal. My average weight loss now is about 2.3 lb/week over the course of my 13 month journey. But it was really fast at the beginning (over 4 lbs/week) and now is very slow (less than 1 lb/week). Now about stretching your stomach. Yes, you can stretch it. But you would have to be eating an ENORMOUS amount of food consistently at every meal for weeks at at time to dilate your stomach to the point where it stays enlarged. It would be painful, probably make you vomit and have extreme stomach discomfort, nausea, etc. I don't know if you've overeaten to the point of extreme discomfort yet, but believe me, once you've been through that experience it isn't something you'll want to do again! There are multiple reasons for your increased appetite and increased stomach capacity right now. The most obvious one is that your stomach is getting close to being fully healed. After surgery, your tiny little stomach was even smaller due to severe inflammation. All that swelling was taking up valuable space INSIDE your stomach, leaving little room for food and liquids. Even the smallest amount of food filled up that space, giving you that full sensation and artificially making you think your stomach was miniscule in size. Your final stomach size is probably in the range of 5-8 oz once fully healed. It varies from surgeon to surgeon based on their technique, the bougie they use (a measuring tool to "set" the cut line), the length of your stomach (taller people have a longer, more roomy stomach), etc. The healing process can take up to 6 months to be complete. At 4 months post-op you are probably getting close to fully healed (again, varies from person to person). So you are now approaching the "maximum" volume your stomach will have. And it feels like a lot compared to your immediate post-op volume! But it's still really small compared to what it was pre-op! And it will stay really small, even with a bit of extra stretch and increase in your appetite. The most important thing you can do now is stick to the basics. Focus on protein first. Drink lots of fluids. Keep the carbs low (unless you are doing vigourous exercise, in which case a nutritionist can give you a better customized food plan to fuel your workouts). Exercise (sports, gym, swimming, walking, running, golf, whatever you like to do!). Make nutritious choices, eat smaller more frequent meals (planned meals, not grazing). Track your food intake (I use MyFitnessPal) to keep you accountable. You've got this.

Great job. Good luck tomorrow! Let us know how it goes.

An interesting article that has touches of science to it. I have a science background and would like to see much more detail and references to back it up. But as you say, it at least starts to put the stall/drop sequences into some more clear light. I had this happen just recently in fact. I've been stalled for a few months now (with only 2-3 lbs lost over a given month). During that month I would climb upwards, sometimes as much as 7-8 lbs in a week. Then suddenly, with no real change to my diet and an INCREASE in my exercise, I suddenly dropped nearly 9 lbs in 3 days. And I was peeing A LOT during those 3 days! I attributed some of the gain to waste build-up (I have one bowel movement approx. 4-5 days), but also Water retention. Hormones, stress levels, TOM, humidity.....they were all factors for me I'm sure!

Congratulations. Isn't it fantastic what a difference a year can make? Great work. Now on to maintenance for life!

I bought some items "in advance" and ended up not wearing them. They either were too big or didn't sit right with my body changes. I started shopping "just in time" at Value Village and Goodwill stores. They always have a big selection, lot of sizes to try on and very cheap. When you're only wearing sizes for 4 weeks or so, it doesn't makes sense to buy new, even on the clearance rack! As I started to slow down in my weight loss I found I would stay at a size for longer times and could purchase things in the next size down (if I found an item I liked at a good price). All the while though, I have only been shopping at these "used" clothing stores (though often the items are brand new with tags still on). Once I'm at goal, I will build a brand new wardrobe with new clothes. As to the "big girl thinking". I totally get you........ I am now a size 14, but started at a 26-28. Once I started wearing size 18s (and finding them too big half the time), my mind was WARPED. Really? I have been a plus size my entire life (43 yrs old now). I could only shop at 1 store in Canada (Penningtons). There are a few other plus size stores (Addition-Elle, etc.), but they usually only went up to a 22 or a 24, so out of my range. Now I can shop ANYWHERE! It blows my mind. REALLY! I can even buy Levi's jeans (1st time in my life.....). Give yourself some time dear. The biggest adjustment with this surgery is not on your body, it is on your mind. You will find the "new you" in body and mind over time. Enjoy the ride. It's a blast.

I went directly with his office. His assistant last year was Omar. I believe he has a new assistant now (Lora?), but everything I've read still indicates his surgical and post-op care are as good as when I had my surgery last May (2012). I had a fantastic experience with him and would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone.

Just started eating avacados about a month ago (why did I wait so long?). They are delish! I'm 1+ yr post-op and wish I had started sooner....but better late than never!

It's not a trip my dear.........it's a permanent relocation! Congratulations. You rock! Enjoy your new "home". It's good to be in the 1's.

1 oz every 5 min for fluids is great. And 30 g Protein a few days post-op is also good. You will make progress. Don't forget, you just had major surgery! You are REALLY swollen right now and it will take weeks (up to 6 months, in fact) to FULLY heal your new stomach. Patience. You're doing well. Try not to obsess. If it feels okay, you're not over-doing it. Just follow your post-op instructions. You won't feel real restriction in your stomach until you're at full solids (6 weeks + usually). Believe me, THEN you will know your stomach is tiny. If you're missing the feeling of chewing, try chewing on ice chips.

TYVM!

Would you mind posting a pic of the nutritional info side of the bottle? Thanks!

Hi Kathy. Welcome to VST! I was in a similar situation. I live in Ontario and at the time of my research (a couple of years ago), they didn't even perform the Vertical Sleeve in this province. It was pretty much only Gastric Bypass, and you had to go through a long referral, assessment wait that could take 5-7 years as well. Even now, it's very rarely performed. Last year I decided that I didn't want the Bypass, and I wasn't going to wait 5-7 years for something I didn't even want in the first place. I started researching "private pay" alternatives where I could get the VSG, and the only one I could even remotely afford was to go to Mexico. I found a great surgeon after months of research (lots and lots of help from people here with great posts about their experiences; their surgeons in Mx; the facilities; their pre- and post care; etc.). I paid about $5500 U.S. for my surgery (all inclusive) plus my flight. It was the best decision I ever made. I'm happy to chat with you directly if you have an interest in knowing more. Good luck in your journey. There are a lot of great people on this site who can give you facts, motivation, support, and humour!